News

Road to Nanjing: Sprinting toward the finish line

15 August, 2014
Khalis Rifhan

Two of Singapore’s rising athletes, hurdler Nur Izlyn and triathlete Bryce Chong, will be up against the world’s best young sportspersons at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Nanjing, China from 16 to 28 August.

Izlyn, a secondary 4 student at the Singapore Sports School, finished third in the YOG Asian Area Qualifier held in May earlier this year. In the same qualifier, the 16-year-old also broke the national youth record for the Women’s 100 metre Hurdles with a new timing of 14.34 seconds.

Team Singapore hurdler Nur Izlyn finished third in the YOG Asian Area Qualifier held in May earlier this year. (Photo by Singapore Sports School)

“My brother urged me to join the athletics team in primary school as a CCA. From then on, I grew to love the sport,” said the Republic’s sole representative in athletics for YOG.

“I am proud to be a Team Singapore athlete, to be able to represent my country on the international stage. With the support of fellow Singaporeans, I will give it my all and do my best so that I will not disappoint them.”

Also studying at the Singapore Sports School is national triathlete Bryce Chong. Five Asian spots were up for grabs at the 2014 Burabay ASTC Triathlon Asian YOG Qualifier. Together with fellow triathlete Denise Chia, both of them qualified for the second edition of the Games when they finished the race and met the top 5 national federation qualification criteria.

It was a challenging qualification for Chong as he had to endure a tough four degrees in the northern region of Kazakhstan. But the 2014 Metasprint Series Aquathlon (Open category) winner displayed strong determination and grit to overcome all obstacles to make it through to YOG.

“I am proud to be a Team Singapore athlete because even though we are a small country, Singapore still has talented athletes and have the ability to produce and groom athletes who are able to compete at the international level,” added Chong whose parents are very supportive of his sporting career.

Echoing Izlyn’s sentiments, Bryce added, “The support I receive from my fellow countrymen spurs my determination to train harder and do well to bring honour and glory to our country.”

Our Team Singapore athletes will be starting their YOG journey on 17 August 2014. Continue to pledge your support to our Team Singapore athletes via www.facebook.com/teamsg and instagram! #ourteamsg